Still Photography

When a Photography Permit is Required

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

How to Apply for a Photography Permit

1. If you are interested in applying for a commercial filming or still photography permit, please use the Commercial Filming/Still Photography Application.
2. Once a permit applicaiton has been completed, email your application to the permiting office: FOMC_permits@nps.gov
3. All applications will have a non-refundable $100 application fee associated with them. Payments can be made via credit card or check. In your application email, specify which payment method is preferred.
4. Once an application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, the permits coordinator will review your application with the park management team to determine whether your permit application will be approved. Please allow at least six weeks for special use permit processing.

Still Photography Permit Fees

Application: $100 (non-refundable)
Location Fee:

Cost Recovery: Cost recovery is charged at a dollar-in dollar-out ratio to the permittee, meaning whatever the cost is to the NPS to manage the permit is the exact cost that will be charged to the permittee. For permits that require park staff to monitor the permits, this price will be the hourly rate of the park staff. For planning purposes, the park recommends permittees plan for an estimated cost of $50 per ranger per hour.

Liability Insurance

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

Photography Workshops

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.